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Washington Nationals: Lasting impressions of 2017

By Ron Juckett

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 3: Fans walk through the Center Field Gate before the opening day game between the Miami Marlins and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 3, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 3: Fans walk through the Center Field Gate before the opening day game between the Miami Marlins and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 3, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images) /
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DREW DOUGLAS

Although 2017 ultimately ended with another early postseason exit, which will cause many people to consider the season a failure, it was a success. The Nats put together an outstanding regular season, winning 97 games en route to their second consecutive NL East title.

Winning the division is a challenge so winning it in two consecutive seasons is something worth praising. While winning the division is impressive, their road to the division title made it even more impressive.

The Nats battled a myriad of injuries throughout the entire season, beginning with losing Adam Eaton for the year in late-April. From Eaton, to Joe Ross, to Trea Turner, to Bryce Harper, several key Nats suffered substantial injuries that forced them to miss significant periods of time.

However, the wizardry of now former manager Dusty Baker allowed the Nats to persist and come out on top. Several depth players stepped up, including Wilmer Difo and Brian Goodwin, and did not miss a beat while filling in for injured regulars.

Because of this, the fact that the Nats won the division, not to mention the wide margin they won it by, is extremely impressive. All the injuries would destroy some teams, which is what has devastated the rival Mets, but the Nats persevered.

2017 was undoubtedly frustrating and disappointing, but in the end, it was another successful season.

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